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Message from Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, on the Occasion of World Water Day, 22 March, 2007.

Human activities have taken an enormous toll on global freshwater resources. The stresses we have placed upon fresh waters have resulted in them being in the poorest condition of all ecosystems. The second edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook produced by the Secretariat of the Convention confirms that the rate of biodiversity loss in freshwater ecosystems is the fastest of all biomes. Yet, a vital range of goods and services, essential for sustaining and improving human well-being, are provided by freshwater ecosystems. As biodiversity is lost, so are its benefits. Water, development and biodiversity are intrinsically linked. The World Summit on Sustainable Development recognized the Convention on Biological Diversity as a tool for the achievement of sustainable human development targets. Many of the Millennium Development Goals and their targets also rely upon achieving the sustainable use of water. Progress towards the 2010 biodiversity target therefore reflects our resolve and ability to achieve these broader goals.

Publication Date
2007-03-22